Part 2 - Search Engine Optimization

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 by Vickie Isaac
SEOWelcome to Part 2 of the Search Engine Optimization Series!  By now you should have 25 keywords identified that best describe your business.   It is now time to put them to use!  They need to be used in multiple ways.

First, they need to be integrated into your website content.  Don't jam pack them in, but try to use them in ways that make sense, and in several places per page.  You won't get all of your keywords on the same page, so don't try.  Search engines look for relevant content, not just repetitious keywords.   For example, for Edge Media, we mention that we are a leading interactive agency several times in our blogs and social media.  We reference the fact that we offer bulk SMS services, that we are a mobile advertising agency, and we always include our business name and link back to our website. 

The keywords then need to be integrated into the code of your website in title tags, description tags, etc.  If you don't know how to do this, we can certainly help!  For example, the Edge Media website title tag for the home page will read "Edge Media, a Leading Interactive Agency" in the title code for the home page.

Next, as you are adding content on your social media sites, be sure to use your keywords in ways that make sense, and always link back to your website to the appropriate page.  Don't always link back to the home page, link to the page that is relevant to what you are writing about.  For example, we offer a number of webinars to various potential clients - businesses, radio stations, non-profits, etc.   As we write about these webinars in our blogs and social media, we reference the URL of the page that is appropriate.  Our recent radio revenue webinar series would be included in a blog and social media post as follows:  "Don't miss out on Edge Media's upcoming Radio Revenue Workshop Series!"

And finally, you need to be building the reputation of your company leadership, so be sure to include their name and a link back to the page on your website - most likely the About Us page.  This helps protect your company's reputation as well as build the professional profile of your company's leadership.  For example, if you Google Vickie Isaac Edge Media you will find that at least the first sixty listings around the company name and my name are all our listings/links.  I would use my name and then link back to the Edge Media About Us page.

That's all for this session - get busy with your keywords - happy optimizing!

About Edge Media - Edge Media is a leading interactive advertising agency located in Phoenix, AZ serving local and national clients.  We specialize in cutting edge strategies that deliver exceptional ROI for our clients, including mobile advertising agency solutions, SMS marketing software, interactive web agency solutions, and much more!

Edge Media Announces New Educational Series!

Monday, March 7, 2011 by Vickie Isaac
Edge Media Leading Interactive Advertising Agency

We are excited about our next series of training resources for businesses and broadcast!  Search engine optimization is critical to outreach, and should be a key component of every strategy to increase exposure and influence.   Why?  People use search engines 80% of the time when looking for something new.  Do you want folks who are looking for what you have to offer but don't know your name to find you?  That is where search engine optimization comes in! 

This new training series will provide some of the step by step strategies that you can incorporate into your marketing/outreach.   And, of course, if you don't want to try this at home, we are always here to do it for you!  As a leading interactive advertising agency, we have helped our clients increase website traffic by as much as 400% in three months, while increasing income 70%!   It is all about identifying the interest and getting out in front of the traffic that already exists online, and then redirecting that traffic to your website.

The first step, which we will discuss briefly today, is to identify those keywords that define what you do.  For example, for Edge Media, several of our most important keywords are marketing companies Phoenix, advertising and marketing consultants, interactive web agency, and advertising agencies Phoenix AZ.   We want folks to find us who are looking for an advertising agency but are not already familiar with the name Edge Media .  We always choose our name as a keyword, so the name keyword is Edge Media. 

The next set of keywords for us then revolve around our particular products, so mobile advertising agency is a keyword, reflecting the fact that we offer text message marketing and mobile marketing.  SMS software is another word, so that we get out in front of folks looking for text message marketing software.  We generally recommend choosing 25 keywords to start. 

It is also important in the keyword identification process to get out of your shoes and into the shoes of those who are looking for what you have to offer.  We measure our keywords against the volume of traffic that already exists, as well as how competitive those words are with other folks who offer similar services to us.  Folks inside our own organizations tend to lean towards the more technical terminology instead of the layman terminology that most of the search revolves around.  For example, for us, SMS marketing software is a bit technical, so the folks searching on that term already really know what they are looking for, as opposed to someone who searches for text message marketing or texting for business.

So, put on your thinking caps and identify your top 25 keywords.  If you need our services to help identify those terms and measure them for traffic volume and competition, we offer very reasonable search engine optimization services!   The next post will discuss the next step - what do you do with these 25 terms??   Stay tuned.  And be sure to post questions if you have something specific you would like addressed. 

We'd like to also invite you to join us on Facebook and Twitter educational interaction! We can help you grow your organization!  Below are the links:

Edge Media on Twitter

Edge Media on Facebook

In the meantime, if we can help you grow your business, don't hesitate to contact us!  E-mail us at info@edgemedia.biz.

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a full service  advertising agency located in Phoenix, AZ and serve local and national business and broadcast organizations.  We offer cutting edge marketing and technology solutions that deliver exceptional results for our clients, including SMS marketing software, bulk SMS services, and experienced, expert interactive web agency marketing and advertising consultants. 

Announcing the Search Engine Optimization Series!

Monday, March 7, 2011 by Vickie Isaac
ChurchLink CommunicationsWe are excited about our next series of training resources for churches, ministries, and Christian broadcast!  Search engine optimization is critical to outreach, and should be a key component of every strategy to increase exposure and influence.   Why?  People use search engines 80% of the time when looking for something new.  Do you want folks who are looking for what you have to offer but don't know your name to find you?  That is where search engine optimization comes in! 

This new training series will provide some of the step by step strategies that you can incorporate into your marketing/outreach.   And, of course, if you don't want to try this at home, we are always here to do it for you!  As a leading interactive Christian advertising agency, we have helped our clients increase website traffic by as much as 400% in three months, while increasing income 70%!   It is all about identifying the interest and getting out in front of the traffic that already exists online, and then redirecting that traffic to your website.

The first step, which we will discuss briefly today, is to identify those keywords that define what you do.  For example, for ChurchLink Communications, several of our most important keywords are Christian marketing company, Christian interactive, Christian advertising agency, and Christian agency.   We want folks to find us who are looking for a Christian advertising agency but are not already familiar with the name ChurchLink Communications.  We always choose our name as a keyword, so other keywords are ChurchLink Communications and Edge Media.  The next set of keywords for us then revolve around our particular products, so mobile advertising agency is a keyword, reflecting the fact that we offer text message marketing and mobile marketing.  SMS software is another word, so that we get out in front of folks looking for text message marketing software.  We generally recommend choosing 25 keywords to start. 

It is also important in the keyword identification process to get out of your shoes and into the shoes of those who are looking for what you have to offer.  We measure our keywords against the volume of traffic that already exists, as well as how competitive those words are with other folks who offer similar services to us.  Folks inside our own organizations tend to lean towards the more technical terminology instead of the layman terminology that most of the search revolves around.  For example, for us, SMS marketing software is a bit technical, so the folks searching on that term already really know what they are looking for, as opposed to someone who searches for text message marketing or texting for business.

So, put on your thinking caps and identify your top 25 keywords.  If you need our services to help identify those terms and measure them for traffic volume and competition, we offer very reasonable search engine optimization services!   The next post will discuss the next step - what do you do with these 25 terms??   Stay tuned.  And be sure to post questions if you have something specific you would like addressed. 

We'd like to also invite you to join us on Facebook, Twitter, and our New Testament Bible Study on  Facebook for encouraging and educational interaction! Below are the links:

ChurchLink on Twitter: twitter.com/ChurchLink
ChurchLink on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/ChurchLink-Communications/246702415307
New Testament Bible Study on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/ChurchLink-Communications/246702415307#!/group.php

In the meantime, we pray that the Lord continues to bless you and strengthen you as you serve Him!

Blessings,

Vickie Isaac
President/ChurchLink Communications
info@churchlinkcommunications

About ChurchLink Communications:  ChurchLink Communication is a full service Christian advertising agency operating as a division of Edge Media LLC.  We are located in Phoenix, AZ and serve local and national churches, ministries, and Christian broadcast organizations.

New Church Growth Webinar Scheduled!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 by Vickie Isaac
ChurchLink logoAnother ChurchLink Church Communications Strategy Webinar has been scheduled for Feb. 17th at 10AM MST.   To register, go to www.churchlinkcommunications.com/webinar

After great turnout at the last one, and a wonderful time visiting with pastors at the Pastor's Leadership Conference in Phoenix, it is apparent that this is something that the Church both needs and wants. 

As a Christian advertising agency, we are excite to be able to be a part of helping churches and ministries expand their outreach and increase their influence!   We will discuss ways to use existing technology and a few simple tools to dramatically increase the number of people who see and respond to your message. 

About ChurchLink: ChurchLink Communications is a Christian interactive agency that specializes in cutting edge technologies that create exceptional growth opportunities for our clients.   As a Christian agency, we are committed to serving local and national churches and ministries, and it is our mission to provide every tool possible to extend the impact of the Gospel.  We are unaware of any other Christian marketing company that offers the broad range of services and expertise in technology that we do.  Check out our client services page at: www.churchlinkcommunications.com/clientservices.html   ChurchLink is a division of Edge Media, with over a decade of experience in serving local and national clients.

Don't Miss the Upcoming Webinar for Churches: Communications Strategy for 2011!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 by Vickie Isaac
ChurchLink Communications

Be sure to register for the complimentary webinar on January 25th - Church Communications Strategy for 2011!  We will illustrate how effective communications strategy can impact the effectiveness of your message and increase your outreach.  Presented by Vickie Isaac, M.Ed., President and Owner of Edge Media and ChurchLink Communications.  The webinar will include topics like using social media effectively, increasing traffic to your church or ministry website, effective use of blog tools, and text messaging for churches.    Find out why organizations like Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council use our services to increase the impact and outreach of their messages.  To register, click below:

Sign up

The event is sponsored by ChurchLink Communications, a leading Christian interactive advertising agency.  It is the mission of ChurchLink Communications to equip the Church with every available and appropriate communications tool.  With over three decades of Christian marketing company experience, ChurchLink Communications has helped churches and ministries around the world. ChurchLink Communications specializes in Christian interactive strategies that utilize cutting edge technologies like SMS marketing software,  while creating easy to use communications systems for our clients.  ChurchLink Communications, a Christian agency, is a division of Edge Media, an advertising agency located in Phoenix AZ serving local and national clients also specializing in cutting edge technologies including mobile advertising agency solutions like SMS software, mobile apps, and mobile pages.  We deliver results for our clients!

Introducing the Scottsdale Preferred® Marketing System, a Unique Interactive Platform That Offers Local Businesses Exceptional Growth Opportunity

Friday, December 10, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
Scottsdale PreferredEdge Media is pleased to introduce the Scottsdale Preferred Marketing System.  It is unique in its' integrated approach, harnessing the power of radio, the internet, social media, e-mail, and text messaging together to create a powerful and prestigious lead generator for businesses. 

Benefits to advertisers include the sheer reach at over 500,000 Scottsdale shoppers monthly, including exposure on high traffic website Scottsdale.com, and commercials on premier stations like KOOL and KTAR.  The tremendous exposure on the advertising system  is offered at one-tenth of the cost of purchasing each component separately, making high powered integrated marketing very affordable for local business. The system offers businesses recognition, with 24/7/365 customer voting online to determine top Preferred businesses in each category. Winning businesses are honored as the Scottsdale Preferred business in their category.  The reach of over half a million people monthly across multiple marketing channels for pennies on the dollar and the prestige of being Preferred is all turnkey for the business, leaving the business free to focus on serving the new customer.
 
The Scottsdale Preferred system was created as advertising veteran Jim Seemiller interacted with many locally owned businesses who experimented with a wide variety of advertising strategies to market their businesses and many experienced the  frustration and disappointment as hard earned dollars spent on expensive ad campaigns did not yield the hoped for return on investment.   Seemiller, VP of Business Development at locally owned Edge Media,  teamed up with Becky Kelley, Executive Director of the high traffic volume site Scottsdale.com to launch the Scottsdale Preferred marketing system, a veritable interactive marketing engine for local businesses.
 
Jim Seemiller noted the tremendous success of the Preferred system in other Arizona cities in helping to grow business for companies using this increased value added marketing plan. Seemiller states, "We fully expect that Scottsdale Preferred will bring even bigger results for participating companies as they look to grow their business. With partners like Scottsdale.com, the elite website for Scottsdale businesses and our radio partners, we think that we even have more to offer. I have not seen another advertising plan that delivers the results, the amount of ad value as Scottsdale Preferred does."
 
Becky Kelley is optimistic that the advertising system will help Scottsdale businesses grow, "We are excited to be working on a campaign of this caliber with Jim Seemiller and Edge Media.  Scottsdale.com was built as a community website and this Scottsdale Preferred marketing campaign is a perfect complement.  We are coupling an already popular local Scottsdale website with a proven, successful and innovative marketing system that is designed to grow Scottsdale merchant's business."
 
For more information about Scottsdale Preferred, contact Jim Seemiller, VP of Business Development at Edge Media.  Jim can be reached at 602-943-2030 x 5, and by e-mail at jim@edgemedia.biz.  Advertiser information is available at http://www.scottsdalepreferred.com.  
 
About Edge Media: Edge Media is a leading interactive advertising agency dedicated to providing its clients with cutting edge technology and innovative marketing strategies through a wide range of services that include consultation, market research, media planning/purchasing/creation, graphic and web design, SEO, internet advertising, public relations, organizational support, social media, and mobile marketing thru SMS marketing software that provides bulk SMS services. Our advertising and marketing consultants are experienced, creative marketers that help our clients' business to grow. Edge Media has offices in Phoenix, AZ and is reachable online at http://www.edgemedia.biz and 602-943-2030.

About Scottsdale.com: Scottsdale.com is the number one resource for both local residents and discriminating individuals who wish to visit the City of Scottsdale. Scottsdale.com is the ultimate destination website for visitors, but also a site that locals rely on for information on a daily basis. Scottsdale.com has offices in Scottsdale, AZ and is reachable online at http://www.scottsdale.com and info@scottsdale.com.


Using Blogging as a Tool to Grow Online Influence

Wednesday, December 8, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
Edge Media blog graphicMany online marketing experts say that content is king when it comes to online influence.  How do you get content onto the web that attracts visitors and positively impacts website visitors and ultimately your bottom line?  There are a number of steps to take that can accomplish this goal.  This next educational series will tackle the steps to take to become a publisher of online content that has an impact.

At Edge Media and ChurchLink Communications, our FASTEST and most EFFICIENT tool is called keyword optimized blogging.  We use software to accomplish this and it is inexpensive and highly effective. You can do this without this software, it just won't be as effective or easy... Contact us for more info on this, as the software is as low as $360.00 per month.

The steps outlined are the same whether using software or not, so we will outline the steps here.  As a leading interactive agency, one of our first steps is ALWAYS to identify the keywords and phrases that are most important to our clients' products and services.  We then analyze them and choose keywords that we can WIN on, measuring competition and traffic on each keyword/phrase.  Once the keywords are chosen, interactive web agency strategy always includes integrating  keywords into content at appropriate densities on the primary website and into meta/data tags on the site to impact search engine results.

The next step is to set up the blog.  At Edge Media and ChurchLink Communications, we set up the design and install keyword optimized blogs for our clients.  If you are not using a keyword optimized blog, you can set up blogs on places like Blogger and WordPress.  The design should mirror the website as closely as possible, and also have links to/from the website.  It can also be added to primary navigation in the website.

After the blog is set up, it is time to craft the content.  We will take up content generation on the next blog, as there are important strategies in that regard.

About Edge Media and ChurchLink Communications: ChurchLink Communications is a leading Christian interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ serving local and national clients for over a decade.  As an Christian interactive agency, we specialize in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional results for our clients, the mobile web, mobile apps, social media, text messaging, and keyword optimized blogging. We also produce and buy radio and television as a Christian marketing company.

Using Blogging to Grow Your Online Influence

Wednesday, December 8, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
Edge Media  Many online marketing experts say that content is king when it comes to online influence.  How do you get content onto the web that attracts visitors and positively impacts website visitors and ultimately your bottom line?  There are a number of steps to take that can accomplish this goal.  This next educational series will tackle the steps to take to become a publisher of online content that has an impact.

At Edge Media, our FASTEST and most EFFICIENT tool is called keyword optimized blogging.  We use software to accomplish this and it is inexpensive and highly effective. You can do this without this software, it just won't be as effective or easy... Contact us for more info on this, as the software is as low as $360.00 per month.

The steps outlined are the same whether using software or not, so we will outline the steps here.  As a leading interactive agency, one of our first steps is ALWAYS to identify the keywords and phrases that are most important to our clients' products and services.  We then analyze them and choose keywords that we can WIN on, measuring competition and traffic on each keyword/phrase.  Once the keywords are chosen,
interactive web agency strategy always includes integrating  keywords into content at appropriate densities on the primary website and into meta/data tags on the site to impact search engine results.

The next step is to set up the blog.  At Edge Media, we set up the design and install keyword optimized blogs for our clients.  If you are not using a keyword optimized blog, you can set up blogs on places like Blogger and WordPress.  The design should mirror the website as closely as possible, and also have links to/from the website.  It can also be added to primary navigation in the website.

After the blog is set up, it is time to craft the content.  We will take up content generation on the next blog, as there are important strategies in that regard.

About Edge Media: Edge Media is a leading interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ serving local and national clients for over a decade.  As an interactive web agency, we specialize in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional results for our clients, including SMS marketing software that has bulk SMS services capabilities, social media, and keyword optimized blogging. We also produce and buy radio and television as a media interactive agency.  Our marketing and advertising consultants are experienced industry leaders among marketing companies in Phoenix and advertising agencies in Phoenix AZ.

Social Media Strategies for Churches and Ministries

Saturday, November 13, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
Ministries & churches should have pages and groups, not profiles.  It is necessary to have a profile to set up a page, and profiles are individuals who administer the pages.  Just because someone can see your page or group does not mean they can see your profile.  Nevertheless, it is important to note that anything you post online that is questionable can hypothetically be found and come back to haunt you.  Use the "Mom" test - if my mom saw this, what would she say?

Set up your profile, then set up your page.  Upload your logo, contact info, and always link back to your  website.  Use your identified keywords in the descriptions to help impact your search results.

Once the account is set up, you need to implement strategy.  What is the goal of social media usage for your business?  Is it exposure?  Interaction?  Traffic generation for your website?   As I have said many times, tweeting to hear yourself chirp does not grow your business.  Our advertising and marketing consultants at ChurchLink Communications actually design a social media roadmap, which details goals, steps to achieve the goals, and how to measure the goals.  As a leading Christian interactive advertising agency, we believe that efforts must generate results for the clients we serve.

Consider some of these strategies that could help accomplish your goals:
  • Give something of value.  Why should someone visit your page, group, or website again?  
  • Offer something unique: audio clips, video clips, e-cards, downloads, forums, etc.  It needs to be something that they can’t get anywhere else.  
  • Create engaging content, and encourage interactivity.  You want folks to be engaged and take ownership.
  • Ask questions, solicit opinions, and make it easy for supporters to post their info.   Reward them for giving you their time and support.  Remember that one of the keys to social media is that listening is important.  We are way past the time when simply pushing out information is effective.
  • Remember to provide CONTENT VALUE.  A consumer survey by the JC Williams Group ranked consumer content as the #1 aid to a buying decision, cited by 91% of respondents (JC Williams Group, 2006).

Next week we will tackle the benefits of blogging.  In the meantime, craft your strategy or call one of our marketing and advertising consultants!

About ChurchLink Communications and Edge Media: ChurchLink Communications is a division of Edge Media committed to equipping the Church with every available and effective communications tool. Edge Media is a Christian interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge solutions and technologies that give our clients significant return on their advertising investment.  Our Christian interactive goals and strategies are innovative, rapidly increasing traffic to our clients' websites, and then converting from leads to sales as a result ofour Christian marketing company expertise in the online arena.  We are a full service Christian advertising agency serving local and national clients and delivering exceptional results.

Why Does Social Media Matter?

Monday, November 1, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
Most businesses are familiar with social media, and many have made forays into the communications platform.  Recent research indicates that an understanding of "we should do this" exists, but understanding appropriate social media goals and how to achieve those goals still eludes small to medium sized businesses today.

One of the most difficult tasks is to step outside of the actual day to day tasks of business and into the shoes of those that use their goods or services.   In short, communications have to be crafted towards the target audience by understanding who they are and what is important to them.  This is where social media is most important because it is a dialogue communications platform, not a broadcast channel.  Interaction and listening should occur regularly in this communications channel to understand priorities, preferences, needs, and concerns.

The next important fact to consider is the impact that social media can have from a viral perspective.  Consider the following statistics:
  • Online social network users were three times more likely to trust peers’ opinions over advertising when making purchase decisions (Jupiter Research).
  • According to a global Nielsen survey of 26,486 Internet users in 47 markets, consumer recommendations are the most credible form of advertising among 78% of the study’s respondents.
  • Consumers trust friends above experts when it comes to product recommendations (65% trust friends, 27% trust experts, 8% trust celebrities) (Yankelovich).
Interaction on social media platforms creates a relationship, and the viral power of that relationship is tremendous.  Strategy, content, interaction, and viral outreach should all be pillars of social media for all businesses.

As we interact with our clients, we find that many do not have the time or staff to manage this type of outreach.  Edge Media, our leading interactive agency, can step in and create the publishing platforms for our clients and then train them in how to efficiently manage these platforms, or we can manage them for our clients. 

Our next blog will discuss ways to get started in social media, or if already involved, how to correct potential errors that may have been made to date, and then to launch with realistic goals and effective strategies.

About Edge Media: The mission of Edge Media is to empower organizations to utilize every technological tool to effectively communicate their message.  As a leading interactive agency, we are confident that we can put all of the pieces together to deliver exceptional results for our clients, including broadcast television and radio, search engine optimization, social media, internet marketing, bulk SMS services, and more.  We truly are unaware of any other marketing companies Phoenix based providing all of these resources in one place with the level of expertise we bring to the table.  Our advertising and marketing consultants have over sixty years of combined experience in broadcast, internet, and mobile advertising agency solutions

Part Two - Growing Business Online

Monday, October 18, 2010 by Vickie Isaac

Part Two in growing business online is the process of local linking.  This is a powerful strategy for local, national, and international businesses.  "Winning" on a local level is easier and faster than winning in natural search  on a national level.  If you are a national or international business, maximizing your local presence in numerous markets will significantly impact your national results.   For example Edge Media does business locally, nationally, and international.  One of our keywords is leading interactive advertising agency (national & international).  We also have chosen keywords that describe us but don't have heavy competition around the terms with words like interactive web agency (national), marketing and advertising consultants (national) and marketing companies Phoenix (local).  Another keyword is advertising agencies Phoenix AZ where we win locally on this term.   You can see the strategy to find words that you can win on based on lower competition, and then winning locally, then nationally. Below are the steps to get this done:


1) As discussed in the first blog, from your research, define the keywords that people use to find your business.  You can get keyword ideas from Google Adwords.  Make sure these keywords are in the content of your website.

2) Build accounts in local sites like AOL Local, Google Local,Yahoo Local, Bing Local, Live Search Maps, Kudzu, Merchant Circle, etc.

3) Always link back to your website, and use your defined keywords in your descriptions.

Each account should include your business logo, a description that is keyword optimized, and where possible, encourage existing customers/supporters to write reviews for you.  Reviews are considered the most credible form of marketing.  This will take some time to accomplish, but you will see the fruit of your efforts.  Numerous local sites like Merchant Circle also allow for updates, offers, blogging, etc., so take advantage of these as you are able.

The next discussion will be the inclusion of social media in your online search strategy so be sure to check back!

About Edge Media: Edge Media is a leading interactive advertising agency specializing in cutting edge technologies that give our clients significant return on their marketing investments.  Some of our tools include SMS marketing software to deliver bulk SMS  services  (text messages), mobile web, mobile apps, optimized blogging, search engine optimization, and more!  Check out our client services listed on our site www.edgemedia.biz/index-2.html

Edge Media Announces A New Product Launch

Tuesday, September 21, 2010 by Vickie Isaac

We are very pleased to offer Digital Force, a new product for broadcasters! The Digital Force product creates a unique, interactive, and turnkey technological solution that  meets several crucial needs for broadcasters including:

     1)  Creation of new revenue streams including the addition of text message ads and website sales.  Mobile messaging revenue is currently over $150 billion, and will reach $233 billion by 2014 (Portio Research, Feb. 2010).Total U.S. online retail sales are expected to grow at an average annual rate of 10% over the next four years, rising from $155 billion in 2009 to $250 billion in 2014, according to a Forrester Research study.

     2)  Increased audience interactivity through text messaging, social media, and blogging.  Over 80% of Americans have cell phones, text volume exceeded call volume in Q2 2009, and 50% will have web enabled phones by Q3 2011 (Source: Mobile Marketing Assoc.).  Social media main sites now boast over 600 million users, with 50% logging in daily, connecting to over 80 pages, groups, events, brands, and companies (Sources: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter), and over 126 million blogs on the Internet currently. B2B blogging increases leads by an average of 67% (Source: Inbound Marketing Lead Generation Report).

3)   Increased website traffic as a result of social linking, social media, optimized blogging, and mobile phone apps.  Over 41% of businesses using social media have acquired new customers through those channels (Source: Inbound Marketing Lead Generation Report).

4)   Adoption of emerging communications platforms are absolutely necessary to retain relevancy.  Mobile use is growing much more quickly than PCs or Internet services did Burson, 2010).

5)  Provides turnkey solution for broadcasters, including ease of use from a single platform, negating the need to hire additional staff.  We have developed an online content aggregator system that integrates text messaging, social media, and blogging sites with content update from one location.

    About Edge Media: Edge Media is a full service leading interactive advertising agency located in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional ROI for our clients. Our cutting edge technologies include SMS marketing software that allow our clients to deliver bulk SMS services that few marketing companies Phoenix is home to can offer. In addition to our text SMS messaging software, our mobile advertising agency offers mobile websites, mobile apps, and mobile internet advertising.

ChurchLink Communications Announces Navigating the New Economy Seminar!

Friday, August 27, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
ChurchLink Communications, a division of Edge Media is pleased to announce Navigate the New Economy, our FREE business seminar is coming to Phoenix on Tues. Sept. 21st.  A panel of five experts will tackle the tough topics that business owners have to wrestle with, including tax changes, healthcare, investment & retirement, how to get the most from your bank, and of course Edge Media is presenting marketing strategies that won't break your piggy bank!

The panel of experts includes Pat Corcoran, VP from Compass Bank; Ed Daily President, CPA,MBA from CPA on Wheels; Mike Ford, President, PFG Planning Group; Nancy Halls, President, Hipes Consulting, and myself, Vickie Isaac, MEd., President of Edge Media.  This group has decades of expertise in their own fields, and business owners will come away with practical strategies to navigate thru these turbulent times.  The practical advice will be great, plus the seminar will include a call to action for small business owners to stick together and support one another's businesses through this difficult economic downturn.

The Edge Media portion of the presentation will tackle ways to actually generate business from social media, simple solutions to increase search engine visibility, and ways to convert visitors to sales on company websites.  We will give you tips that other marketing companies Phoenix reps don't want you to know... real insider stuff... :-)

For more seminar info and to register for the seminar, go to www.navigatetheeconomy.com

About ChurchLink Communications & Edge Media:   ChurchLink Communication is a division of Edge Media that serves ministries, churches, and Christian broadcast.  ChurchLink Communications offers full service Christian advertising agency services.  As a Christian agency, we offer cutting edge technological solutions to help Christian organizations maximize the impact of their message.

Edge Media is a leading interactive agency in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional ROI for our clients.   Some of our specialties include SMS marketing software for delivery of bulk SMS services, optimized blogging which is a powerful lead generator, and integrated and linked social media strategies that increase search results and convert to sales.  Our advertising and marketing consultants are experts in analyzing your needs and creating interactive web agency strategies that work five to ten times harder than traditional strategies.  For more about Edge Media, go to www.edgemedia.biz

Navigate the New Economy Business Seminar

Friday, August 27, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
Edge Media is pleased to announce Navigate the New Economy, our FREE business seminar is coming to Phoenix on Tues. Sept. 21st.  A panel of five experts will tackle the tough topics that business owners have to wrestle with, including tax changes, healthcare, investment & retirement, how to get the most from your bank, and of course Edge Media is presenting marketing strategies that won't break your piggy bank!

The panel of experts includes Pat Corcoran, VP from Compass Bank; Ed Daily President, CPA,MBA from CPA on Wheels; Mike Ford, President, PFG Planning Group; Nancy Halls, President, Hipes Consulting, and myself, Vickie Isaac, MEd., President of Edge Media.  This group has decades of expertise in their own fields, and business owners will come away with practical strategies to navigate thru these turbulent times.  The practical advice will be great, plus the seminar will include a call to action for small business owners to stick together and support one another's businesses through this difficult economic downturn.

The Edge Media portion of the presentation will tackle ways to actually generate business from social media, simple solutions to increase search engine visibility, and ways to convert visitors to sales on company websites.  We will give you tips that other marketing companies Phoenix reps don't want you to know... real insider stuff... :-)

For more seminar info and to register for the seminar, go to www.navigatetheeconomy.com

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive agency in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional ROI for our clients.   Some of our specialties include SMS marketing software for delivery of bulk SMS services, optimized blogging which is a powerful lead generator, and integrated and linked social media strategies that increase search results and convert to sales.  Our advertising and marketing consultants are experts in analyzing your needs and creating interactive web agency strategies that work five to ten times harder than traditional strategies.  For more about Edge Media, go to www.edgemedia.biz



ChurchLink Communications, a division of Edge Media, Launches Today!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
Sorry for the lapse in posting, but my hubby and I got away for a much needed rest to the lovely Caribbean island of St. Martin.  It was fabulous - great scuba diving!

What has happened since I blogged last?  Lots!  Our new division, ChurchLink Communications, is launching today!  We are very excited about it.  Please visit the site at http://www.churchlinkcommunications.com to check it out!  We have long believed that we have some invaluable tools to offer ministries, non-profits, churches, and Christian broadcast.  As a Christian interactive advertising agency with cutting edge SMS marketing software, we offer a unique opportunity to these organizations to create communications strategies that will greatly increase the effectiveness of communications, encouraging supporters to take action, and increasing the revenues from fundraising efforts.

Churches can use the SMS marketing software to mobilize their prayer ministry - a prayer request sent into the system automatically directs out to everyone enrolled.  An "Ask the Pastor" component allows people in the congregation to text in questions during the sermon that then are put on the screen and answered at the end of service.   Church security is instant with the push of a button.  Youth ministry communications is revolutionized, as youth pastors can instantly communicate with youth using the way they most often communicate - text messages!  The application for churches communicating with text messages are endless.   The software is extremely affordable, and ChurchLink is offering a 30-day no obligation trial of the SMS marketing software.   Click here to review the offer: www.churchlinkcommunications.com/offer.html

The next post will discuss the benefits of SMS marketing software for Christian ministries to use for effective communications and fundraising efforts.  Using bulk SMS services dramatically increases response rates for communications efforts, and is proven to be much more effective than e-mail.   Stay tuned for the next post on SMS marketing software.

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional results for our clients.  Our advertising and marketing consultants are experienced and focused on our clients' needs. Find out more at: www.edgemedia.biz

About ChurchLink Communications:  ChurchLink Communications is a division of Edge Media.  ChurchLink is a Christian interactive agency dedicated to supporting ministries, churches, non-profits, and Christian broadcast through cutting edge technologies and effective communications strategies.  As a Christian interactive advertising agency, we have three decades of experience in serving the needs of the Church.  Find out more at: www.churchlinkcommunications.com

Note: Few marketing companies Phoenix AZ based offer the interactive solutions that Edge Media or Churchlink Communications provide for our clients.  Partnered with the experience of our  marketing and advertising consultants, we believe we offer exceptional services that deliver superior results.

ChurchLink Communications, a Christian Interactive Agency to Launch New Website Next Week!

Monday, May 3, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
Edge Media is pleased to announce that the new ChurchLink Communications website will launch next week! The goal of ChurchLink Communications, a division of Edge Media, is to provide new Christian interactive marketing and technology tools to Christian ministries, broadcast, and churches. Christian interactive communications tools include SMS marketing software, mobile web, and optimized blogging software, as well as stand marketing solutions including marketing research, media buying, marketing strategy, internet, and e-mail marketing. All client services currently available to Edge Media clients are available to ChurchLink clients.  

As a Christian advertising agency, it is the goal of ChurchLink, a division to Edge Media, to meet the needs of the Christian community with a focused goal of serving Christian ministries, Christian broadcast, and Christian churches.  The benefit of using a Christian marketing company is of course to have an agency that understands the Christian community, Christian media, and Christian church, and then create Christian interactive marketing strategies to mesh these components into an effective outreach strategy.

Edge Media is a leading interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ that has been serving local, national, and international clients for almost eight years.  Vickie Isaac, President and Owner of Edge Media, has over 25 years of marketing experience, first as the director of a Christian music talent agency, then at the helm of a Christian record company, followed by years in the Christian and general broadcast industry, and finally launching Edge Media in 2002.  Vickie is also an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University. 

Click here for description of Edge Media's leading interactive agency client services:
http://www.edgemedia.biz/index-2.html

More About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive advertising agency that is one of only a few advertising agencies Phoenix AZ that is a mobile advertising agency, having chosen to fully embrace emerging marketing strategies including the mobile web, SMS marketing software that delivers bulk SMS services, has experienced marketing and advertising consultants in the mobile arena.  Our clients are experiencing exceptional results with the mobile advertising agency services, and great ROI with the SMS marketing software.  For more info on Edge Mobile, the SMS marketing software, go here: http://www.edgemedia.biz/index-3.html

Leveraging Interactive Relationships

Saturday, April 17, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
The American Marketing Association recently offered a seminar on the topic of interactivity available in social networking.  According to the AMA, "90% of consumers trust recommendations from people they know, 70% trust peer reviews posted online, and only 14% trust traditional advertising. Interactive Marketing is the future, so brands need to encourage a dialog around their products if they wish to compete. Interactive Marketing channels-from social media platforms (like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Yelp) to the exploding array of mobile applications (like FourSquare)-facilitate communication between consumers and therefore host these brand-related conversations."

It is clear that dialogue between companies and custoers is critical to new customer acquisition and existing customer satisfaction.  Many companies realize this, and have moved forward to set up Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  Once the accounts are set up, a few tweets posted, nd a special or two offered on Facebook, many companies do not know where to go next.  How do you encourage interaction and build customer relationships?  Many companies neither have the time nor the resources to figure out what to do next.

The marketing and advertising consultants at Edge Media help move our clients forward from stagnation to strategy.  As a leading interactive agency, we believe strongly that research, then strategy, and then implementation are really the right steps in the right order.  In order to have success with social media, it is important to articulate the company's goals, then create the social media roadmap on how to meet those goals.  In other words, fans or followers for the sake of fans or followers just do not get the job done. 

Many advertising agencies Phoenix AZ create the accounts for their clients and then turn over the social media reins to the client to finish the implementation. This may work in some cases but it usually fails as companies, as stated above, neither have the time nor the resources to figure out what to do next.  At Edge Media we ask critical questions about goals, then create social media strategies to meet those goals.  It is important to remember that social media is not "push out" marketing, so as the strategy is created, it must include online listening, gathering research, dialogue, and then offering to the potential customer.  After these steps, it is also important to have a remessaging/remarketing strategy also in place.  Using these interactive web agency strategies can genuinely increase the return on the investment for social media marketing.

For a complimentary "Social Media 101" getting started presentation, and audio presentation regarding social media, go to http://www.edgemedia.biz/index-7.html

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive advertising agency located in Phoenix AZ.  Edge Media is a mobile advertising agency as well, offering Edge Mobile, an advanced SMS marketing software system that delivers bulk SMS services.  Edge Media is a Chrstian advertising agency serving international, national, and local businesses, non-profits, churches, broadcast, and ministry organizations.

Sony Mobile Movie Test Sees 36% Opt In

Thursday, April 15, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
Mobile Commerce Daily recently reported that a test program by Sony delivered movie tickets to mobile phones with a 36% opt in rate.  McDonalds just tested the waters with mobile location based strategies.  Customers responded with a 7% click thru rate. 

Mobile marketing is well received by consumers because mobile phones are rapidly becoming the hub of their personal and business communications.  As mobile phones increase capabilities, the necessity of mobile marketing strategies will increase.  Mobile websites, bulk SMS services, mobile ads, and mobile apps are just a few of the mobile interactive web agency strategies that Edge Media is recommending to clients at a very rapid rate.

As a leading interactive agency, our SMS marketing software is no longer a nice addition, it is an absolutely vital marketing channel for our clients.  It is rare now that campaigns do not include some mobile advertising agency strategies. We are telling our clients to grab their dot mobi URL's, to allow us to create a mobile version of their websites as just basic steps to compete on the mobile web playing field.   We are fortunate to have several years of mobile advertising agency experience in this arena already, while other advertising agencies in Phoenix AZ are still trying to figure out what the platform is!  

If you would like to discuss mobile web strategies for your business, call us at 602-943-2030, and also be sure to visit our website for more info on mobile marketing at http://www.edgemedia.biz/index-3.html

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge technological solutions that deliver exceptional results for our clients.   As a Christian advertising agency, we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards in how we conduct our business, as well as a high standard of excellence with the work that we produce for our clients.  Our Christian marketing company also has a division, ChurchLink Communications that specializes in marketing services for churches, non-profits, ministries, and broadcast organizations.

Social Media Marketing Strategy

Sunday, February 7, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
I recently attended a Marketing Sherpa webinar that provided helpful content on social media marketing strategy.  I am reposting the data, as I believ it is very helpful for marketing strategy, and believe strongly in the necessity of reseach as being the first step in the social media marketing strategy.  Below I have included an excerpt from the step by step process.

(Content provided by Marketing Sherpa, 2010 Social Media Marketing Benchmark Report)

Research

1) Gather intelligence on target audiences, social use and competition.

2) Stop, look and listen – it’s the first step to an effective social marketing strategy.
strategy.

3) Profile your target audiences and their social characteristics.
Monitor their dialog and how preferred platforms are used.

4) Benchmark brand popularity, share of voice and other qualitative and quantitative social metrics for your company and competitors. This is an opportunity to also assess your organization’s existing resources, communities and digital assets that will add value to your strategy.

About us:  Edge Media is a leading interactive agency in Phoenix AZ serving local and national clients.  We specialize in cutting edge marketing techniques including mobile marketing via SMS marketing software, optimized blogging, social media, and broadcast media. Our marketing and advertising consultants are experts that deliver accountable, measurable ROI for our clients.
 

ChurchLink Communications

Monday, January 18, 2010 by Vickie Isaac
Edge Media has always been a Christian agency, but with the launch of our new division,  ChurchLink Communications, we have been very pleased with the response from churches, ministries, parachurch organizations, and Christian broadcast companies.  Many Christian organizations are aware of the need to integrate new marketing approaches into their strategies but are just uncertain how to begin the process.

As a Christian marketing company, we are confident that we understand the goals of our clients, and blessed that we have the resources to help them reach their goals.  Vickie Isaac, President and Owner of Edge Media, has over thirty years of ministry experience, global missionary experience, and church experience to bring to work for our clients.   There are very few Christian interactive agencies with both the ministry and marketing experience combined, and we believe that we can put this expertise to work to benefit the Church.

We have a full menu of services for our clients and are looking forward to being a blessing to our new ones. While the ChurchLink Communications site is under construction, please visit the Edge Media site for a full description of our products and services.
www.edgemedia.biz/index-2.html

ChurchLink Communications is a division of Edge Media, LLC, a full service leading interactive agency located in Phoenix, AZ.


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